Subscribe to Print Edition | Fri., February 08, 2008 Adar1 2, 5768 | | Israel Time: 02:01 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Israel rapidly losing its water sources By Zafrir Rinat Israel will soon be unable to use a considerable part of its natural water sources, the Water Authority warns, because of the deteriorating quality of ground-water reserves, exacerbated by reduced rainfall due to climate change. Most of the water in the Coast Aquifer, one of Israel's two main ground-water sources, is below the standard for potable water, according to a recent report by the Water Authority's Hydraulic Service. The report analyzed the water's quality on the basis of recommendations for drinking water made by a team of experts headed by Professor Avner Adin. Advertisement Most of the committee's recommendations, which have not been anchored in legislation yet, are more strict than the former standards. The Hydrological Service recommends reducing the water drilling from the West Mountain Aquifer (the other major freshwater source, which also provides water for the Palestinians) by one tenth and to be prepared for increased water drilling on the Palestinian side. It also recommends to stop pumping more water than the rainwater entering the ground water reserve in the Coast Aquifer, which provides almost one third of Israel's water consumption. Instead it urges creating alternative water sources, such as desalination. Water tests indicate that 16 percent of the water pumped two years ago from the Coast Aquifer two years ago were inferior in quality with excessive chloride or nitrate - pollutants caused by sewage and fertilizers. Even in places where 95 percent of the water came from the aquifer, tests showed that it was polluted and salted, which means that these problems are expected to get worse. One reason for the Coast Aquifer's salification is the excessive water drilling, which lowers the water's level and leads to the penetration of sea water into the drinking water. The Hydraulic Service report said that sea water has penetrated one kilometer and two kilometers inland in several places, and has reached the area where most of the drilling for aquifer water takes place. Unlike the Coast Aquifer, the Mountain Aquifer's water quality is still good. However, the Hydraulic Service says that the water in Qalqilyah and Tul Karm is still being polluted. The Service recommends speeding up the treatment of sewage from West Bank Palestinian communities and Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Baghdad, Interrupted Movie star Angelina Jolie takes on Iraq as UN goodwill ambassador. Unwanted praise Hezbollah leader Nasrallah compliments on the Winograd Committee report.

Today Online Seven Gazans killed in IDF raid; 7 Qassams hit Negev Responses: 149 Barak vows harsher IDF response to Qassam fire Responses: 211 Senator: U.S. to shun UN racism meet over anti-Israel agenda Responses: 164 Egyptian FM: Whoever breaks border will have his legs broken Responses: 94 Vatican rejects criticism of new prayer for conversion of Jews Responses: 254 More Headlines 01:35 Major IDF operation in Gaza back on the agenda 01:50 IDF kills 8 Palestinians; Israel drops electricity supply to Gaza 21:50 Hamas rejects Abbas proposal to broker cease-fire with Israel 20:59 Mideast envoy Blair says PA starting to abide by 'road map' 21:27 Egyptian FM: Whoever breaks border will have his legs broken 19:27 Man credited with saving Jews in WWII to repay survivor he allegedly swindled 23:19 Romney quits U.S. presidential race, takes shot at Europe 20:12 Qatar PM sues Kuwaiti paper which criticized his ties to Israel 19:21 Angelina Jolie visits Baghdad to highlight plight of Iraqi refugees 18:34 Colombian defense minister says ties with Israel are strong 18:35 Israel intercepts W. Bank-bound truck loaded with explosive material 01:55 Hamas confiscates humanitarian aid trucks sent to Gaza from Jordan 23:13 Haifa, T.A. domestic airports suspend plans halt weekend civil aviation Previous Editions Select Day 07 feb 06 feb 05 feb 04 feb 03 feb 01 feb 31 jan 30 jan 29 jan 28 jan 27 jan 25 jan

Special Offers Advertisement Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Dead Sea Salt Beauty and skin care from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 10% off! Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations U.S. CITIZEN PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY Last chance to vote in Israel, in-person, Democrats-Abroad Global Primary. Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved